LATROBE, Pa. -- Hines Ward became the Pittsburgh Steelers' first major holdout in 12 years Sunday, keeping his promise not to report to training camp without a contract extension that would make him one of the NFL's top-paid wide receivers.

Once Ward missed the 6 p.m. ET reporting deadline, Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert said negotiations were over until Ward shows up -- something the four-time Pro Bowl receiver has insisted that he won't do without a new deal.

Ward, with one year remaining on a contract worth $1.66 million this season, apparently has two choices: End his holdout and continue talks, as Steelers Pro Bowl running back Barry Foster did in 1993, or sit out the season, as three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Mike Merriweather did in 1988.

Several teammates made impassioned pleas for the team to re-sign Ward, with linebacker Joey Porter saying the Steelers "can't win without him." And Colbert himself seemed uncomfortable talking about a missing player he often has cited for his unselfishness and team-first attitude.

When the team speaks, u better listen. But the Steelers are up against traditional rules and values they used for decades when it comes to contracts. This could be ugly! Hines needs to get his butt into camp so these talks can continue. Even if it takes all of 2 months, at least you're getting into football shape and ready to go when the time comes.

When the team speaks, u better listen. But the Steelers are up against traditional rules and values they used for decades when it comes to contracts. This could be ugly! Hines needs to get his butt into camp so these talks can continue. Even if it takes all of 2 months, at least you're getting into football shape and ready to go when the time comes.

I agree BRC....he needs to be in shape, and working on his timing with Ben. The whole team is gonna suffer at the hands of Ward's greed and ego. It is cool to see his teammates have his back, but that isn't gonna make him report to camp any sooner....If anything it will assure him his hold-out is justified.